Scott Morrison has finally spoken out about the awkward moment where Joe Biden appeared to forget his name.
The US President was joined by his Australian counterpart and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for a landmark announcement about their new partnership together.
However, when Biden was thanking the Aussie and UK leaders, he seemingly made a crucial misstep.
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"Thank you Boris, and I want to thank that fellow Down Under," he said. "Thank you very much, pal! Appreciate it, Mr Prime Minister."
The US President quickly recalled the Australian Prime Minister's name and they carried on with the big announcement.
A day after that weird moment, Scott Morrison has been asked about what he thought. .
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"It was an interesting moment in the media conference," he said to Sunrise. "But he always usually when we speak privately he refers to me as his pal, so there you go."
It seems like he thought it was pretty funny when asked about it on The Today Show as well, so it's clear he's not too hurt about the comments.
But anyone well versed in Aussie vernacular will know that while pal can be affectionate, it can also be used to be condescending.
Let's hope Biden hasn't been subtly ribbing Scott Morrison all this time he's been thinking they were buddies.
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Yesterday's big announcement revealed the creation of a trilateral security partnership that is being dubbed the AUKUS alliance.
It will allow the three countries to share expertise on issues like cyber warfare and artificial intelligence.
A joint statement released by the three leaders said: "This is an historic opportunity for the three nations, with like-minded allies and partners, to protect shared values and promote security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region."
As part of the new alliance, the US will be helping Australia build nuclear-powered submarines in Adelaide to help keep the peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Scott Morrison confirmed these vessels wouldn't be carrying nuclear weapons.
However, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says those subs won't be permitted to enter their national waters.
Politico explained how some experts believe the partnership has a 'subtext' to it that is designed to 'push back on China's rise in the military and technology arenas'.
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While it's being hailed a win for the three nations, France isn't happy as it has now lost its contract to build 12 submarines for Australia.
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian described the decision on France Info radio as a 'stab in the back'.
Featured Image Credit: Channel 7Topics: Australia
